Headed into our 2022 grow season, there is an optimism in Southern Manitoba. Along with optimism comes the worry that may be filling your head. Are there soil-born risks lingering in your field? What kind of pests could derail everything you have worked for. That is why our Grow Team at Valleyview Co-op would like you to consider seed treatment as part of your crop planning.

Valleyview Co-op Crop Supplies Manager Deven Bailey says seed treatment may be your only chance to ensure the health of your crop. “You’ve got one chance to prevent diseases. One chance to get it right. You can’t go back and fix a problem once the disease starts. The best way to keep disease way is preventing it from happening in the first place. The only tool you have is prevention through seed treatment. In a year with high commodity prices in wheat and diesel fuel, maximum yields become even more important. Getting a quality seed out of the ground healthy, goes a long way towards higher yields.”

Is seed treatment an unnecessary cost or a vital investment? Bailey says there are options that can keep your seed treatment cost to a minimum “There are rebate programs tied to seed treatment. Suppliers will offer a bundle including seed treatment, fungicide and herbicide. At the end of the year you could be looking a rebate that almost makes the seed treatment free. When you combine that with addition yield, it’s a sound financial investment.”

It all starts with a conversation with a Grow Team Agronomist. Bailey and his team can help you find the supplier that is right for your farm, and a fit for your individual operation needs.